As a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority for more than 40 years, Carol Coordt is a longtime ally of orthopaedic research. Since 1950, Kappa Delta has funded annual Orthopaedic Research Awards for outstanding basic or clinical research related to musculoskeletal health. Carol presented the awards twice and "had the wonderful experience of meeting [the] recipients and hearing about the work they are doing." Happily, Carol herself has benefited from the research her organization has supported for so many years.

A year and a half ago, at age 60, Carol became one of the more than 200,000 Americans who undergo hip replacement surgery annually. Carol's symptoms developed gradually and were very typical--increasing pain in the hip, difficulty walking and climbing stairs, and, most importantly to Carol, difficulty carrying and playing with her grandchildren. Over time, the retired elementary school principal developed a pronounced limp, as well. Missing her active life and wanting to enjoy her retirement, she asked her doctor to refer her to an orthopaedic specialist. When the specialist recommended hip replacement surgery, she agreed.

Hip replacement surgery entails removing the hip joint damaged by arthritis or injury and replacing it with a prosthetic implant. Total hip replacement surgery is usually done only after the patient has exhausted more conservative therapies, such as non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nutritional supplements, physical therapy and less invasive surgery.

The number of hip replacement surgeries is expected to rise significantly as the Baby Boomer generation ages. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation estimates that the total number of hip replacements will increase by more than 60 percent during the next 30 years. Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of hip pain and a significant improvement in their ability to perform day-to-day activities.

This was true in Carol's case. "I have my life back," she says, thrilled to once again be able to enjoy time with her family. She can walk at least four miles a day and has lost weight due to her renewed ability to exercise.

Orthopaedic researchers are constantly studying ways to improve surgical procedures. Hip replacement surgery is becoming less invasive. Advances in computerized imaging will allow more precise placement of implants and will make minimally invasive surgery easier to perform. Scientists are also studying ways of making hip prostheses more durable and functional, which can improve mobility and reduce the need for repeat procedures.

Just as past research paved the way for the successes joint replacement patients enjoy today, today's research will lead to better outcomes in the future.